3. Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kampo and Tibetan Medicine

In this chapter we will explore some of the oldest known healing traditions in the world, the healing practices of the Far East: from China and its rich history of herbal medicine and its commitment to energy flows in the body; to Japan and its adaptation of Chinese medicine; and finally to Tibet and the development of a deeply based spiritual practice founded in Buddhism with influences from both India and China.

These practices extend back as far as 5,000 years and are rooted in a respect for Mother Nature and are deeply committed to establishing harmony both in the body and in its relationship to the universe. These are all practices that use the abundance that the earth has provided for us and can be adapted to assist us in bringing about a state of improved health. These are healing modalities that use only organically grown plants and naturally derived substances in their approach to healing. They look for the state of disharmony in the patient and seek, through a variety of ways, to reestablish balance and harmony, as imbalance is the source of disease or dis-ease.

As a western trained physician, I have found little of these ancient healing traditions and philosophies in my training. As western research techniques begin to verify the validity of many of the claims for healing, physicians, like me, find this comforting in enhancing the possibilities for the patients that we treat.


1. Traditional Chinese Medicine

Perhaps the oldest system of healing in the world is the field known as Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM. Elements of this broad field are more that 4,000 years old and span the known history of the Chinese civilization. This field encompasses therapeutic interventions that were based on pathophysiologic concepts derived from the scientific thinking of the time and is a comprehensive system of medical thinking. TCM is an all natural healing modality that encompasses and array of over 6,000 herbal remedies and other products for not only the treatment, but also for the prevention of disease. This healing art has spread from China to now include Japan, Korea and parts of Southeast Asia and as such these practitioners have made their way into the United States as a distillation of these various approaches in their general practice.

To truly understand TCM one must have an appreciation for the philosophical base out of which this healing tradition emerged. At the heart of TCM is an awareness or understanding that the same forces that govern the universe also regulate the human body. TCM attempts to assist the individual patient to eliminate imbalances within themselves and thus allow for a free interaction with their environment. This interaction is from a state of wholeness, from which the current “holistic” movement in the world is believed to be derived. The TCM approach has it roots in the Daoist tradition, which is an approach to life, just as TCM is to healing arts. I will not attempt to define Daoism as this has been the source of discussion from some of the great philosophical thinkers from China for many millenniums. A simplified definition for our purposes is that a power envelops, surrounds and flows through all living as well as non-living things. That Dao, or power, regulates natural processes and also seeks and nourishes balance in the body, like it nourishes balance in the universe. TCM believes that by restoring this energy flow, or power, a balance is brought about that will assist in bringing the patient into closer harmony with the universe and thus to a state of health and well being.

TCM as it is practiced in the US has 4 main components: acupuncture, herbal medicine, tui na and qi gong. Herbal medicine is a system of healing that utilizes various formulas that are designed to treat a variety of symptoms and disease processes. Despite its age, herbal medicine includes in its practice fields that resemble our current practices of internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology and as well as treating a variety of diseases in the field EENT, or eyes, ears, nose and throat. Tui na is a Chinese medical theory that utilizes massage and manipulation techniques to help maintain or restore the flow of energy that travels through the body in specific channels or meridians. This energy flow is called Qi or Chi and through restoration of this process the body heals itself naturally. Qi gong is another philosophic approach that utilizes Qi, or energy flow, and is a system of physical training, various aerobic exercises, isotonics, isometrics, meditation and relaxation techniques to help us gain control over these very life forces that radiate through our bodies via these meridians. Acupuncture is also a system of healing that utilizes these energy meridians, focusing on the disruption of these channels, which they believe are instrumental in causing disease. Acupuncturists insert needles into these meridians to assist in opening any blocks that might be present and thus restore a healthy flow of qi into areas that are suffering from a disease state.


Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is the oldest known healing art in the world. It is over 4,000 years old and much of what we enjoy in our current healthcare system was derived from folklore as handed down from generation to generation. Even today many of our drugs used in allopathic medicine are herbally derived and approximately ¼ of our prescription drugs dispensed today contain an active ingredient from a plant. While many of our other prescriptions written in the West do not contain plant ingredients they do contain synthetic substances that mimic plant compounds.

Even today, an estimated 80% of the world’s population uses herbal remedies for parts of their health care regimen. There is not a single culture known to man that does not utilize herbal plants and herbs as part of their healing arts. While the oldest known culture to record the use of herbs was China, this practice is found in every indigenous peoples approach to healing from around the world. Ayurvedic Herbalism came from India; the herbalism we practice in the United States, that is not rooted in the practices of the indigenous people of North America, came to us from Rome and Greece. The World Health Organization or WHO, states that there are over 100 plant derived pharmaceuticals and that over 70% of these are used exactly like the traditional uses of native cultures.

A good example of a Chinese herbal medicine that is still in use today is ephedra; this herb is rumored to be over 5,000 years old and is known in Chinese medicine as Ma huang. Ephedra is also an herb that was placed under FDA restrictions because of its use by those individuals trying to lose weight or enhance athletic performance. Yet despite this, the herb Ma huang is still utilized safely by herbalists, acupuncturists and practitioners of oriental medicine. Much like the field of medicine, these compounds need to be prescribed by individuals trained in the appropriate fields of endeavor. Another good example that is more current than ephedra, yet still old by today’s standards, is the herb foxglove. Foxglove, or digitalis as those of us practicing medicine would call it, is an herb that has been used to treat a variety of heart diseases since 1775. To this day digitalis, also called digoxin or lanoxin, is used to treat congestive heart failure and is used as an adjunct therapy in the condition known as atrial fibrillation. In the hands of skilled practitioners this is an excellent tool, yet when an overdose of this herb occurs it is usually severe and frequently fatal.

In a recent study done in Taiwan, Republic of China, a Chinese mushroom called Ganoderma tsugae was assessed for efficacy in treating inflammation of the bronchoalveolar system, also known as the lungs. This approach, utilizing current laboratory standards used to assess physical changes, found a reduction of inflammation, as well as possible assistance into therapeutic applications for allergic asthma (1). In another study conducted at the Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China, 2 herbal formulas, (San Ju Yin and Yu Ping Feng San), were used to assess whether TCM could assist in the treatment of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome). Their conclusions were promising in the treatment of viral infections including SARS and merit further research (2). In another study looking at localized skin irritation the herbal extract Wu-Zhu-Yu, a substance derived from the berry fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa, was found to have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect when applied topically to human skin (3).

The potential applications and implications for herbal medicine are tremendous and likely underused by us practitioners of allopathic medicine. On a promising note the National Institute of Health (NIH) is sponsoring research on herbs and other modalities to assist in the treatment of diseases from cancer to depression. All of this points to a renewed interest in natural modalities that should assist in lowering health care costs and lessening the potential side effects of many of our currently used drugs.


Tui na

Tui na is the ancient art of Chinese massage and manipulation of body tissues to promote the flow of Qi through improved lymph drainage and muscle rejuvenation. This process uses a variety of techniques with the hands to massage the soft tissues of various body areas, as well as acupressure points being directly stimulated to assist in the flow of Qi throughout the body. The ancient art of bone-setting, seen in today’s world as Chiropractic or Osteopathic manipulative medicine, is undertaken to realign various musculoskeletal relationships. Tui na may also employ the use of external agents in the form of salves, poultices or compresses to help assist in this process, these being done to aid in the promotion of unimpeded flow of Qi in the body.

Inside of Tui na itself are several philosophical approaches including ones that focus on soft tissue injuries which involve themselves with muscle strains and ligamentous sprains. Another school that focuses on acupressure meridian points to assist in the treatment of internal disorders, and another school focuses on the regeneration of depleted energy systems in the body. The manipulation of the joints to promote better alignment of the musculoskeletal system is the focus of another school, concerning itself with nerve like pain and joint injuries. On an interesting note, Tui na is now catching wider acceptance into western schools of massage and its slow incorporation into the western culture is now being seen.

Tui na is a difficult modality to measure as so much of what has been reported is subjective. In a study reviewed in the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine; May 2006, Vol. 12, No 4:395-399, Tui na was used in conjunction with acupuncture and qigong and while there did appear to be some subjective improvement in improving depression and quality of life, there was no improvement in overall motor scores in treating Parkinson’s disease patients.

Much of the ongoing research is being conducted in China and references are found in their journals, one of which is the journal called “Clinical Observations”. Massage or Tui na is used in conjunction with a variety of other modalities and anyone interested should peruse these studies. This is a difficult area to do any of the western double blind studies because much of the end result is a subjective feeling of better health from the recipient, yet in the west many of the medicines we prescribe are given for the express purpose of symptom reduction, which we assume leads to the patient feeling better.


Qi gong

Qi gong is an ancient Chinese practice of body movements coupled with different breathing patterns and postures to promote the movement of Qi in the body. Qi gong also utilizes meditation that assists one to develop the skill of attracting vital energy. Qi gong utilizes visualizations to help enhance this mind/body connection and to assist in the healing process. There are 460 different movements to be learned in this approach and a variety of breathing techniques as well. Qi gong is a self healing technique and is an acquired skill that anyone can master.
At the heart of Qi gong is a state of mental relaxation, controlled breathing and physical movements. Studies are being done world wide that focus on this therapeutic approach. In one interesting study from India, this approach was utilized to see if blood pressure could be modified, and a temporary fall in blood pressure was found after only one session. (4). In a study trying to improve the quality of life in cardiac patients it was found that progressive relaxation coupled with Qi gong did indeed improve the quality of life along certain physiologic and psychologic parameters, reaffirming the previous studies of the positive effect of Qi gong on the psychologic dimension (5).

Exercises in controlled breathing have been found to be beneficial in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (6). In a study in Taiwan Qi gong it was found that a common side effect of chemotherapy, a decrease in white blood cell count, called leukopenia, could be counteracted in breast cancer patients.(7). In a study reported in the Townsend Letter it was found that blood pressure improved greatly, as did pulmonary function, in a study of 58 volunteers. This study revealed adrenaline levels (epinephrine and norepinephrine), fell significantly, which could account for the drop in blood pressure (8). In an article published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine, Winter 2001 a surprising and statistically significant change was observed in the immune system’s white blood cells, polymorphonuclear cells, or PMN’ and their increase in phagocytic activity after undergoing Qi therapy by a Qi master. What this means is that our white blood cells (PMN’S) were potentially more adept at doing their job of detaining and removing pathogens, or those substances that could harm us, from our bodies. Qi gong has shown some very interesting results in people suffering from heroin withdrawal and a reduction in symptoms utilizing this approach (9). In another study Qi gong had a positive effect on blood pressure, as well as having an efficacious effect on producing an improved lipid profile as well (10), 11).

All this points to a therapy that is underutilized, I suspect because it is misunderstood. There are no known side effects from this treatment and all signs seem to point to its potential as a powerful adjunctive treatment modality whose inclusion into a western practice can only have a beneficial impact, not only on the patient but also for the physician and its subsequent benefit towards lowering health care costs. Further research on this is worthy of merit and by all appearances this could easily have a profound effect on many areas of health.


Acupuncture

Acupuncture is probably the most well known Chinese healing modality in the west. It is over 2,500 years old and it too is based on the belief that there are energy flows, called qi throughout the body, and that the disruption of this energy will produce disease. These flows traverse through systems called meridians which are anatomically consistent, residing just below the surface of the skin. Correct stimulation, through a variety of techniques, can promote a reduction of a disease state and lead to better health.

While the most recognizable technique is through the use of a thin solid needle that is placed in very specific areas corresponding to various organs systems, laser type treatments can be used to stimulate these points, as well as acupressure. If the needles are used there can be either manual manipulation or even stimulation by an electrical current as part of the therapy.

The acceptance of acupuncture in the west grows by the day as over 5,000 individuals in the U.S. alone incorporate this modality for the treatment of pain relief, pain prevention and for a host of medical conditions. These practitioners include physicians, dentists, chiropractors and acupuncturists and as such the FDA has now classified the needles used by acupuncturists as surgical devices and imposes upon them the same stringent restrictions it does on any surgical device to restrict the transmission of disease.

Acupuncture has been in wide use in the U.S. since the 1980’s and due to this the National Institute of Health conducted a conference in 1997 for a general review of the literature and studies known to that time. After thousands of such studies were reviewed it was found that acupuncture was superior for the treatment of nausea resulting from chemotherapy as well as post-operative nausea. It appeared to also have excellent efficacy in post-operative dental pain as well. The conference concluded with the recommendation that further research needed to be undertaken, as acupuncture also showed promise in not only the painful conditions noted above, but also in such diverse conditions as asthma, arthritis, stroke rehabilitation, fibromyalgia and menstrual cramps. Many of these recommendations are currently underway under the direction of the NIH.

There has been a fair amount of basic science research done in the field of acupuncture with ongoing research as we speak. In a study from the late 1980’s electroacupuncture was found to have a pain reducing action through a mechanism that appears to be opioid in nature (12). There appeared to be a release of the bodies own natural painkillers or endorphins in response to the acupuncture intervention. In another study using advanced radiological techniques known as functional MRI, a correlation between acupuncture points and eye disorders was found. This is similar to the correlations found in the oriental literature between activation of specific areas of the brain and acupuncture points (13). In another study corroborating this activation of specific brain areas it was found that the same effect could not be found if attempting the same stimulation on non-acupuncture points (14). For those individuals less likely to follow the more metaphysically based meridian theories of qi manipulation, a study was reported that showed that either acupuncture or acupressure seemed to be producing a neuroelectric stimulation for the gene expression of neuropeptides (15). This study further concluded that this process could be easily taught to physicians and that it was a useful tool for the modulation of pain as well as a variety of other conditions.

Many of the studies are at least thought provoking to say the least. Studies showed that acupuncture would not only decrease heart rate and pulse rate, but would also seem to cause relaxation, calmness as well as reduce feeling of tension and distress when a particular site was stimulated (16). Vasomotor symptoms, or hot flashes, like those that are experienced by menopausal woman, as well as both breast and prostate cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, have been found to be ameliorated or lessened, by using specific acupuncture points (17). Acupuncture has been found to be useful in Crohn’s disease (18), radial nerve paralysis as well as aggressive and obsessive behavior (19) and has a beneficial effect on the gastric mucosa, or lining of the stomach (20). These are just a few of the studies that are available for perusal for anyone truly interested in investigating this healing approach.

Of all the modalities to be found in Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is by far the most researched, recognized and accepted of these various treatments, perhaps because there is a tangible entity that is being utilized, i.e. the needle. Anyone interested in this approach could easily find both the disease process and the therapeutic intervention that would be used in the treatment of that same disease. For anyone new to these fields, and filled with any degree of skepticism, I would recommend starting with acupuncture and then venturing into the other fields as their comfort level grows with these ancient and still practiced healing arts.


2. Kampo

To truly understand Kampo from a historical perspective one has to appreciate our last subject, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The actual word Kampo comes from the 2 Chinese characters Kan, which means “from China” and po, meaning “way”. Kampo is the Japanese adaptation of TCM. Several thousand years ago there were numerous texts present in China for the use of herbs for healing. The Japanese practitioners found this to be too cumbersome so they simplified this vast array of knowledge into a system that would be more efficient and thus easily standardized. Out of this distillation process Kampo was born and is still practiced to this day. It should be noted that the number of herbal formulas used dropped from roughly 17,000 to only 365, one for each day of the year.

For the most part Kampo is almost entirely plant based in its approach with only fossilized bone and some shells used in the formulas. Yet this is not the only departure from western based medicine. In the west we use a diseased based diagnostic system, where we attempt to find a specific cause for the illness and attempt to eliminate this as the basis for our therapy. In Kampo, like most of the eastern based medicines, the emphasis is on what they call patient based diagnosis, where the emphasis is on finding the state of disharmony in the patient that is causing the illness, and then using herbs, either singly or in unison, to help bring about a harmonious state back and thus a resolution of whatever illness the patient is suffering from.

Kampo, like TCM, also balances the essential life force, qi (ki in Japanese). It is the flow and balance of this qi that is the determining factor in the health of the patient. Kampo further believes that the food we consume is instrumental in absorbing qi from the environment. Kampo utilizes plants and herbs in their therapeutic approach to correct the imbalance. The life force that is being harnessed in the particular herb or plant goes directly to the target organ to bring about the balance required to correct the state of disease that is present.

Kampo survives to this day, despite numerous attempts to bring an end to the therapeutic modality, such as the incursion of western thinking from the Portuguese in 1590 and the Spanish in the early 1600’s, as well as the Dutch in 1639. In the early years of the 20th century Kampo staged a resurgence and today the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare have approved 148 Kampo formulas for coverage and reimbursement in their national health insurance plan. Kampo is now deeply integrated into the health care system with approximately 75% of the Japanese physicians prescribing Kampo formulas on a regular basis.

There has been an enormous amount of research into Kampo, primarily in Japan, and likely due to its inclusion into the Japanese system. An entire book could be written just on Kampo research so I will only highlight some of the more interesting studies underway so as to give the reader a chance to see that this is not an unscientific healing modality, but a viable and powerful adjunct to any practice of the healing arts.

In a recent study the Kampo extract Saiboku-to was found to have beneficial effects toward asthma as well as anxiety (21). In the elderly, there is a condition known as chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), a condition where an accumulation of blood arises in the head, which can occur spontaneously with no known cause and little to no symptomotology present. By using the Kampo medicine known as gorei-san-ryo there has been shown to be a fairly rapid resolution of the hematoma without surgical intervention (22). This approach appears fairly promising as surgical evacuation has all the requisite complications as with any surgery, and in addition the hematoma would frequently come back even after the surgery. In only one case studied using the Kampo intervention did the patient need to go to surgery to remove the hematoma.

Recent research into the roll of hange-kobotu-to on patients with functional dyspepsia is very promising (23). Dyspepsia is the medical term for indigestion and is a frequent diagnosis in western medicine. By utilizing this Kampo medicine there was found to be a significant reduction in the symptoms surrounding dyspepsia and that these results suggest that this is through the process of gastric emptying. Anyone suffering from delayed gastric emptying of diabetes, also known as diabetic gastroparesis, would find this study enlightening to say the least.

Whether it be an adjunct in the treatment of chronic fatigue (24), or providing assistance in memory enhancement (25), Kampo shows promise as a viable modality. With the increased prevalence of strokes and TIA’s (transient ischemic attacks) an interesting study utilizing “chotosan”, a Kampo medicine, showed very interesting results for reducing the transient induced learning impairment after an ischemic event. Ischemia is where a part of the body has a decreased blood flow to that area, since blood carries the oxygen on the red blood cells this can lead to damage to that area, when that event happens in the brain, but blood flow resumes we call that a TIA, when blood flow is not restored we call that a stroke.

In a very interesting study looking at threatened abortion in early pregnancy, when the traditional Kampo herbal remedy known as xiong-gui-jiao-Al-tang was used, there was found to be a beneficial effect in stabilizing the pregnancy (26). In western medicine we have no real adjunct to assist in stabilizing threatened abortion during the early phases of pregnancy. Yet we also have the postpartum period, the time after the delivery of the baby, where we frequently see depression.. In this time period there can be wild mood swings in the mother where she can even harm her baby while in this debilitated state. In a study using the Kampo herbal remedy xiong-gui-tiao-zui-yin there appeared to be a stabilizing effect of the psychological state with improved mental health (27). There are even studies to improve the physical condition of the postpartum woman (28).

The purpose of this section was not to give all the research based evidence available for the efficacy of Kampo, but rather to give the reader a sense of the scope of the evidence available. There appears to be fairly overwhelming amount of data available for even the most skeptical of individuals to see that this is a healing modality that was not only founded in antiquity, but still holds up well to the scientific inquiry of the day. I would suggest that anyone interested in finding out more about this healing approach start reading on their own and they too will be amazed at how thorough the evidence for this healing art truly is.



3. Tibetan Medicine

The actual origins of Tibetan medicine as a distinct entity, much like all the modalities in this chapter, are obscured by the passage of time. It would be a safe assumption to say that this healing art is at least 2,000 years old and possibly 2,500 years old. There does appear to be a strong influence from India in the Ayurvedic traditions but also some influence is present from Chinese medicine as well.

In the 7th century A.D. King Gampo of Tibet adopted Buddhism in Tibet as the religion and under his auspices he called for a medical convention. Physicians from many neighboring countries attended, including doctors from India, China, Nepal, Persia as well as the Byzantium Empire. The free flow of acquired knowledge and ideas that were exchanged were responsible for the assemblage of the texts that became the framework of the medical system and approach that comprises Tibetan medicine to this date. The most gifted of the physicians were invited to stay and assist the king in his attempt to put into writing all of this material so that it could be taught and shared by anyone interested in this field of endeavor.

This phenomenal body of literature has in it the oldest known written system on psychiatry as well as a storehouse of knowledge on the use of herbs in the treatment of a variety of diseases, both physical and psychological. The physicians who practice Tibetan medicine function under a code of ethics that hold them to the highest standards possible, it is believed that they operate on more than the physical and emotional level, but also on the spiritual level as they minister to their patients. The feeling amongst these physicians goes to the heart of the Buddhist tradition: that there is an inherent relationship between the mind and the body, and that by maintaining the patient’s connections to the natural world through spirituality there will an affect on the health of the patient and minimize illness.

At the heart of Tibetan medicine is what is known as the four Tantras. These were teachings that were taught by the Buddha himself and all Tibetan physicians study these 4 texts as the basis for their practice.
1. The First Tantra: this is called the Root Tantra and is contains an explanation for all diseases.
2. The Second Tantra: this book has 31 chapters and it explains the anatomy and physiology of our bodies, as well as the events of both birth and dying.
3. The Third Tantra: this book has 92 chapters and deals with the cause, nature and treatment of diseases as well as their classification.
4. The Fourth Tantra: this book has 25 chapters and has in it 18 different methods of diagnosis, pharmacology and treatments available.
The Buddha gave these teachings for the benefit of sentient beings and for the physicians to help assist their patients in being healthy and living a long life, for them to learn to walk in a life of spirituality, to be happy and even to accumulate richness. This has been misinterpreted to mean monetary wealth when in actuality what is meant is “the essence of immortality”. The practitioners of this healing art are those who in their hearts are truly interested in learning both the material, emotional and spiritual essence and will not only themselves learn, but will also impart these teachings to their patients.

Even to this day Tibetan medicine and the practitioners of this field are held in high esteem in Tibet and Asia, and what they dispense is believed to be directly received from the Buddha himself. The overall concept of well being comprises the mind, body and spirit and when these are in balance and harmony, then will there be the most effective and comprehensive healing possible. Health is actually believed to be a state of balance between the physical, psychological and spiritual elements of ones life.

The overall qualities that are sought for in a physician to practice effective Tibetan medicine are outlined in the Root Tantra and these are:
1. An analytical mind with intuitive qualities
2. Must possess a good heart and be able to show compassion
3. Have respect for medical ethics and be committed to their profession
4. Have no qualms about seeing body fluids
5. Understand that all medicines and medical scriptures are wish fulfilling jewels
6. Be able to have patience in body, speech and mind
7. Always have a desire to learn and gain experience
8. Be gentle of manner, be contented and have a desire to assist the destitute
9. Know by heart the causative factors of diseases and the appropriate treatment
The physician will frequently recite prayers and or mantras during the preparation of the medicines to enhance the potency of the treatment along all lines possible, be they psychological or spiritual.

In an interesting article the Tibetan medicine Padma 28 was found to have beneficial effects in intermittent claudication (29), or pain in legs from activity due to peripheral artery disease. This study was also duplicated in a larger review of the literature from Switzerland. (30). In an other study looking at sepsis, or overwhelming infection, the Tibetan herb Artemisia vestita was found to have an anti-sepsis activity and may be beneficial in treating shock, one of the devastating consequences that accompany this condition(31). In spinal cord injury patients a common complication present is constipation. By using the Tibetan medicine Padma Lax this potentially debilitating condition was relieved (32). This was a patient who was paralyzed from the mid neck down; had his life significantly improved, and this could also be very useful in the general population for constipation as well.

With the rise on chronic inflammatory diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis and atopic bronchial asthma the use of the Tibetan medicine Taban-Arshan would be a welcome adjunct as it appears to have a beneficial effect in normalizing the inflammatory cascade (33). As we see the increased use of a variety of medicines used to treat these diseases, including bronchodilators, steroids and immunosuppressive medicines, certainly a safe and seemingly non-toxic approach would be a welcome adjunct to any practitioners or lay person’s pharmacy. Padma 28 has been shown to have beneficial effects on limiting atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries (34) as well as a skin-repairing quality for the same herb (35).

Much of the research is along a basic science, or cellular level, with certain herbs showing antioxidant activity (36) as well as some showing a protective quality towards our own DNA, but also the very unique DNA that makes up our mitochondria. 70% of the fuel that our bodies run on, ATP, is made in the mitochondria so protecting this vital component our cells is of paramount importance (37).

These finding represent just a portion of the research being done the field of Tibetan medicine, but they do show a profound correlation between the information passed down through the millennia and its verifiability through current scientific methods. All of this points to exciting inclusion of many of these formulas into the practice of western medicine; with a host of benefits and without all of the deleterious side effects that many of our current medicines seem to bring with them.


Conclusion:
It is difficult for us to ignore the deep spiritual connection that all of these healing modalities have not only towards the patient but for the practitioner as well. From the practitioner of TCM to the Tibetan physician there is an appreciation for the forces that govern the universe, our connection to these same forces and the need for harmony with both the internal and external environment. I also found myself enthralled with the overwhelming body of evidence supporting many of the ancient claims of these practices. I saw the need for further research to substantiate the further inclusion of these practices in the west to assist in healing, but also to alleviate the apprehensions of the skeptics who resist new ideas or change, no matter how new or different these ancient ideas seem. I only listed a few of the studies available for perusal, but would encourage anyone interested to delve into any of the areas just delineated in this chapter to assist them in allaying any fears they may have about these healing modalities.


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